Best Beach Chair Reviews 2019

Bringing a portable chair to the beach, a festival, or any long outdoor activity is almost always a decision you'll be thankful for. The best beach chairs are lightweight, easy to set up, and built to last. Certain types are built for comfort, while others are built to be ultra-compact. We chose five of the best beach chair brands that straddle the line between these two options, so you can find a great choice.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Materials

Positions

Weight

Capacity

Our Top Choice

WildHorn Outfitters Portable Beach Chair

WildHorn Outfitters uses thoughtful designs to make the outdoors more enjoyable, whether you're snorkeling in the Bahamas or hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.

How Do I Choose the Best Beach Chair?

Summer is here, and many people prefer spending long hours on the beach, as opposed to locking themselves indoors and running every available cooling appliance, from ACs to fans. Beach chairs are ubiquitous on the beach during summer, as well as in warm climates. However, choosing the right beach chair depends on numerous factors. You’ll find a wide array of styles, sizes, and functionalities, and choosing the right chair for your needs may be quite confusing.

A day at the beach can lighten up anybody’s mood, and there’s no doubt about that. However, for experienced beach lovers, having the right gear can make your experience more enjoyable. This may include beach umbrellas, towels, beach chairs, and sunscreens.

A beach chair is an essential accessory for anyone looking to spend a summer day at the beach. We all know the sand can get scorching hot, and you don’t want to ruin your day by running back to the hotel room or your home, or hiding in a beach shelter.

What should you look for in a beach chair? Beach chairs are pretty simple accessories, but there are a few factors to look at. For instance, you need something comfortable and easily portable, with a design that allows you to fold it up and keep it in your car trunk. Also, consider its materials, to ensure it's light enough to carry, but will still offer the required durability. Some beach lovers use beach mats, but if a mat's not thick enough, the afternoon heat from the sand will surely penetrate to your skin.

The market is saturated with a wide array of beach chair brands and models, but the popular types include inflatable loungers, oversized sand chairs, and beach chairs for kids. Read our consideration factors to learn what makes each model worth considering.

Price

Beach chairs vary widely in price depending on the quality, and on extra features such as umbrellas, ability to fold up, and materials used. You can find a good quality chair for $30 to about $100. That doesn’t mean there are no cheap beach chairs out there. Generally, we don’t recommend very cheap options, since they may not offer the best quality for your expectations.

Beach chair frames can be made from metal, wood, or plastic. Chairs with steel frames tend to be the most expensive, but offer more durability. However, steel adds additional weight to the overall construction, and may rust easily if not kept dry. Aluminum frames are a lighter alternative, but must be handled gently to prevent bending and denting. Wood provides a sturdy and classic appeal, but, again, comes with more weight. Plastic chairs are the cheapest and lightest, but must be handled with care if you want them to last longer. Perhaps the major positive with plastic or wood armrests is that they won’t heat up under the scorching sun.

The seat and the backrest are usually made from polyester, polypropylene, or plastic. They offer durability, are easy to wash, allow air circulation through open weaves, and usually dry quickly after washing. High-end models are made from cotton or canvas.

Features

As the summer heat soars high, the sound of the surf hits the shore, and you try to catch some afternoon breeze, a decent beach chair will be a godsend. Beach chairs come in handy both at the beach, and at the poolside or in the backyard. Here are the basic components that make up a beach chair:

Frame - Beach chair frames are made from various materials, including steel, aluminum, wood, and plastic. Steel is the sturdiest. Aluminum is lightweight, making it more portable. Wood offers an upscale look, but can be heavier to carry around. Plastics are lightweight as well, but can be quite delicate. If you choose to go with steel, be sure it's powder coated to prevent rusting and scratching.

Seat Fabric - Seat fabrications vary in terms of denier, a measure of thickness and weight. You can find chairs made from cotton, nylon, canvas, and polyester. Always consider denier strengths ranging between 420D and 600D for durability. Canvas and cotton fabrics are soft and comfortable, while nylon and polyester fabrics offer more weather resistance. The material choice is more about personal taste and comfort.

Extra Features - Although you’ll find beach chairs of various shapes and sizes, there are additional features that set each model apart. These may include cup holders that allow you to relax in style, as you keep yourself hydrated with your favorite drink by your side. Some chairs come with padding to offer that extra comfort, while others have canopies to keep the scorching sun off your head. The canopy can also provide extra storage with pockets, and still serve as a tote bag. It’s also important to consider chairs that fold up for easy storage, and that have a comfortable head rest and multiple reclining positions to suit your comfort level.

Construction and Design

When it comes to design and construction, there’s a lot that goes into a beach chair. The type of chair you choose to buy will depend on your specific needs, as many models out there are designed to meet particular requirements. Here’s an analysis of some common beach chairs you should consider:

Classic sand chairs - These chairs are designed for sturdiness, and offer compactness and ease of operation on the sand. They are perfect for the beach due to their ease of use and portability. If you’re looking for a comfortable chair with no-nonsense sturdiness, this could be your best bet!

Chaise lounge chairs - These chairs are designed for comfort above everything else. They're usually heavy and difficult to move around, but this may be a fair trade for the comfort they offer. If you’re looking for the utmost relaxation, choose a model with comfortable padding and contouring.

Backpack chairs - As the name suggests, backpack chairs can be easily folded and carried via shoulder straps, just like a backpack. They are ideal for beach life since they are easy to transport, lightweight, and extremely durable.

Toddler beach chair - If you’re taking your kids along to the beach, a toddler beach chair is a great investment. They are usually small, light, and low to the ground, making them easily accessible to kids. They also have latches to prevent accidental closure.

Hi-boy beach chairs - These chairs have long backs to offer that extra support. They are ideal for tall and large people, and ensure that a large portion of the body is supported for maximum comfort. Despite the extra length, they are lightweight and easy to transport.

Zero gravity beach chairs - These special chairs are designed to support your entire body. They're slightly longer than ordinary beach chairs, so they might be heavier. They simulate zero gravity by taking the full weight of your body, hence enhancing total comfort.

Performance and Ease of Use

Beach chairs are either easily portable or have extra comfort features like armrests. A beach chair that folds in half, either vertically or horizontally, allows you to carry it around. When it’s time to go home or back to the hotel, you simply throw it into the trunk and drive off. Some models even fold into three sections, making them smaller and easier to carry and store. Consider a chair with attachable sling shoulder carry straps and a separate carry bag if you’re going to carry it around.

Armrests offer comfort, but you don’t want an armrest that heats up easily under the scorching sun. Consider armrests made from wood to offer sturdiness and comfort. Others may be covered with different fabrics, or padded to keep them from overheating and give some extra comfort.

Some beach chairs include various amenities, such as attached pillows that flip to the back of the chair when not being used. Some come with slings or pockets for your drinks, cellphones, and books, and even attached coolers for your favorite drinks and snacks.

What is the Best Beach Chair?

We looked at specialty outdoor product brands that use the most durable and lightweight materials and premium designs. We compared the prices of top-rated beach chairs to find options for different budgets. We've chosen a variety of chair styles, from compact to large reclining models, so you can choose whatever fits your needs. With such a list in hand, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick the beach chair for you.

Our Top Choice

The highly portable WildHorn Outfitters Portable Camping / Beach Chair is built to last and is surprisingly comfy for its small frame. If you're looking for the ultimate outdoor comfort, check out the Terralite Outpost Camping Hammock.

WildHorn Outfitters Beach Chair - terralite-dark-blue

Features

WildHorn, as the name implies, is passionate about the outdoors and being free. Its high-quality products make it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Its thoughtful designs and durable materials mean you can always rely on quality equipment to keep you going through a long hike or snorkeling session. No matter where you are in the world, users can rely on WildHorn products.

The WildHorn Outfitters Portable Camping / Beach Chair stands out for its high comfort level and portability. It packs up inside the included mesh bag for easy carrying no matter where you're headed. The exclusive TerraGrip feet are built to prevent sinking in sand and mud, so you can confidently set up anywhere. This durable and heavy-duty chair can even support up to 350 pounds. It sets up in seconds for quick comfortable seating at your favorite beach, camping spot or festival.

This camping chair is available in black, blue, dark blue, neon green, olive and red.

Tommy Bahama Beach Chair SC539TB - Floral

Features

Tommy Bahama is based around the legendary island traveler who symbolizes the laid-back coastal life we're all craving. It began creating silk shirts and tailored pants, and their popularity has allowed Tommy Bahama to grow into a full line of island and beach-style products. Its products are designed with fun, laid-back designs to add a little joy to your life.

The Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair is the ultimate recreational beach chair, since it takes care of your many needs while camping outside or at the beach. Let's take a closer look:

Heavy-duty aluminum frame for long-lasting comfort

Backpack straps and a foldable design let you essentially turn this chair into a backpack for easy travel

Caravan Sports Beach Chair 80009000150 – Beige

Features

Caravan Sports makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're tailgating, hitting the beach or hanging out at the park. Its instant canopies, portable shelters and outdoor seating let you and your friends comfortably enjoy the great outdoors. It's highly specialized, so it has a wide assortment of options when it comes to outdoor shelters and chairs.

The Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair can turn a park into your own personal living room, complete with full reclining capability. It locks in place with a dual finger top locking system and can be folded down for easy transport. Its durable powder coated steel frame and textaline fabric are built to stand up to the elements for a long time. The headrest is also adjustable for added comfort.

The ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair is strong, lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for adventures. For a full-sized portable chair with recreational features, check out the Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair.

ALPS Mountaineering Beach Chair 8013905 - Rust

Features

Alps Mountaineering was founded by Dennis Brune, with a mission: to provide "more gear for more people." But that wasn't all. Dennis is committed to making practical gear that users can count on. He knows that people are looking for durability, comfort and a fair price – and that's what he aims to give them.

The ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair is great for a trip to the beach or for sitting around the campfire. It's sturdy and has a compact design that collapses into the included carry bag. The powdered steel frame and 600D polyester design is made to handle frequent outdoor use, so you can count on them in a pinch. The mesh back keeps you cool by allowing air flow through to your back as you relax. The feet swivel to accommodate a range of terrains like beaches and campsites, and the armrests are padded for extra comfort. It's available in khaki and "rust" red.

Alps Mountaineering also offers just about every style of camping chair you can imagine, including leisure chairs with cup holders, footrests and other luxurious features.

The Quik Shade Adjustable Canopy Folding Camp Chair has its own shading canopy, so you can take a comfortable seat anywhere you go. For an alternative with a larger shading canopy, check out the Quik Shade MAX Shade Camp Chair.

Quik Shade Folding Chair with Adjustable Canopy – Great for Beach, Camping and All Kinds of Outdoor Activities, Two Color Choices

Quik Shade Beach Chair 150255 - Green

Features

Quik Shade offers a variety of simple canopies in different sizes and with varying features. It also has kits so you can add a "wall" to your canopy for extra protection. If you don't have an entire canopy, it has chairs with personal canopies attached to them. Why should you have to put up an entire canopy just for yourself? Quik Shade answered this question: you don't. Just take a seat in the shade.

The Quik Shade Folding Chair with Adjustable Canopy is like a classic camp chair, with the major addition of the adjustable canopy. You can raise, lower or angle the canopy easily, so you're always protected. The chair itself is outfitted with cup holders for your favorite drinks and a storage pouch for your cell phone and other items. Considering it's larger than a classic camp chair, it's surprisingly easy to store and carry. Quik Shade provides a convenient travel bag with a shoulder strap for comfortable transport. The frame and armrests are built for comfy, ergonomic sitting.

Get the Best Beach Chair of 2019!

The chair style you choose will depend mostly on how you'll use it and how mobile it needs to be. Long trips to the beach or a campsite would be best matched with a compact chair. But if you're by the beach, why not spring for something more supportive? Whatever you're looking for, these brands have a range of options for you to choose from. Hopefully, we helped you find the ideal beach chair you’ve been looking for. However, if you didn’t find a perfect match from our picks, feel free to sample other alternative choices from these brands.

Our Top Choice

WildHorn Outfitters Portable Beach Chair

Best Value

Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair

Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair

ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair

Quik Shade Canopy Folding Camp Chair

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